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POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- Poughkeepsie school officials, responding to the news that an 18-year-old student had been shot and critically wounded, strived Thursday to assure the community that it was doing everything to keep kids safe.

Even though the shooting occurred off campus, Superintendent Nicole Williams posted a letter on the district’s website telling students, parents and staff that it was taking a “two-pronged crisis response approach,” which included the deployment of mental health counselors and heightened security at its secondary schools.

According to media reports, the high school senior and athlete was shot multiple times while standing with a group of people on Winnikee Avenue Wednesday night.

Seconds later, another 18-year-old was wounded in the arm as he walked near the intersection of Bement Avenue and Harrison Street, according to a report by Time Warner Cable News.

He was treated for his injuries at a local hospital and released, the Time Warner Cable News story said.

According to Williams’ letter, which was also signed by school board President Ralph Coates, the district will use metal detectors or wands at its secondary schools to weed out any weapons students may be trying to sneak in.

Coates and Williams urged parents to talk to their children about the shootings and to encourage them to talk about their feelings and concerns.

The district, saying its goal is to protect children, added: “As a family, we must work together to put an end to the violence that is prevalent in our community.”

Police were asking anyone with any information about the shooting to call them at 845-451-7577.